1968 Buick Riviera vs. 2009 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,050 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Buick Riviera (305 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (303 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 241 kg more than 1968 Buick Riviera.
Because 1968 Buick Riviera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Buick Riviera (645 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Buick Riviera | 2009 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riviera | Impala |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7050 cc | 5670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 645 Nm | 438 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 2141 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
